Strategizing IBPS PO (Mains)

200 questions are to be solved in 120 minutes only. This makes candidate�s ability to manage time a definite tool for his success. However, most people either go to the exam without a clear strategy to manage time or without definite number of questions that they want to attempt in a particular section; both of which might lead to you loosing focus in the most crucial time and thus, not being able to score as much as you should.

Need of a Strategy:

Banking has become the most preferred sector for almost all job seekers, thereby increasing the competition many folds over the past couple of years. Though IBPS conducted a Preliminary round this year to filter out candidates for the Mains Exam, this still doesn�t reduce the competition; as a matter of fact, it increases it with more filtered and serious candidates taking the exam. The chance of the cut-off going higher is undeniable. Under the given circumstances, a clear strategy for the IBPS PO (Mains) Exam will most certainly come in handy in making the candidate more successful.

What to do before the D-DAY?

Know your strengths and weaknesses: It is really important for you to be absolutely clear about your strengths. A major portion of your strategy depends on your core competencies. After having taken the IBPS PO Prelims, you must be clear about the subjects that you need to focus on. However, it is still a good idea to take a Mock Test and analyze it again.

Build your concepts: While the knowledge of strength and weakness will help you create your strategy, it is important to build your concepts on your weak areas to score better in the exam. You can go through some notes or take some Topic-wise Practice Tests to do this.

Don�t start from the scratch: Don�t try to learn everything in the next 10 days. Just ensure that you are in practice with whatever you have already learnt. It�s not the right time to think on concept building or trying out new things.

Every section is important: With just 10 days left for the exams, it�s high time that you bring balance into your preparation. You need to touch all the five sections at least once every day. Don�t ignore General Awareness or Computer Awareness. Last minute preparations may not yield the desired results.

Keep a tab on your TIME: Take a Mock Test every day and try to attempt more questions than the previous day. This is a very good way of building speed (keep a target of increasing by at least 12-15 questions every day).

Practice every day: Practicing every day helps you remain exam-focused. Hence, it is a good idea to take Mock Tests on a daily basis.

What to do on the D-Day?

Be confident: Nervousness can be a serious deterrent to your performance. There is nothing to be scared; you have done your practice and you will do well in the exam. Don�t lose your confidence.

Start from the section you are best in: It is the best way to save time and give a positive boost to your confidence.

Don�t waste your time: Time is of the essence for clearing the IBPS PO (Mains) Exam. Don�t waste your time trying to figure out an answer to a difficult question. If you can�t solve it in 2-3 minutes, just move on. There are lots of questions which you can solve, but if you keep pondering over this one, you will miss them too.

Attempt all sections: Remember you need to clear both the Sectional Cut-off and the Overall Cut-off to be eligible for the interview. Hence, you need to attempt a minimum of 20-22 questions in all sections with around 80-85% accuracy to be in the safe zone (10-12 in case of Computers). Not attempting a single question from a particular section or attempting very less questions will certainly not help you in clearing the exam.

Stay focused: Don�t lose your focus; at least not for those most important 120 minutes. It is important that you remain on your target and not think about the questions you missed.

Strategy Table

How the strategy table works?
The above table will help formulate your game-plan for the D-Day. Let�s see how this works:

Assuming that you are strong in Numerical Ability and General Awareness, Average in Reasoning and General Awareness, and poor in English, then:

1 You should start with the Numerical Ability section followed by Computer Awareness. Considering you have higher competence in these two sections, it should take you less time. Simultaneously, your focus should be on maximizing the score that will help you clear the overall cut-off. Hence, try to get maximum correct answers in the minimum time possible. Fix a target of 30-35 in both the sections but don�t spend more than 35 minutes in the Numerical Ability section and 15 minutes in the General Awareness section.

2 Next, based on your competency, you can either start with Reasoning or Computer Awareness. If you begin with the Reasoning section, you need to keep in mind not to spend more than 35 minutes in this section. Simultaneously, you can aim at scoring between 30-32 marks. If you decide to go for Computer Awareness section, then your target will be to get 12-15 marks in 8-10 minutes.

3 Since English is a section in which you have the lowest competency, it is a good idea to give more time to this section. However, your focus should be to ensure that you have enough right answers to clear the sectional cut-offs. You can keep a target score between 20-22 marks and spend around 30-35 minutes in this section.

Formulate your strategy based on your competencies. Remember you are the best judge for yourself.

All the Best for IBPS PO (Mains)-2015!!